Smart dosing device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device comprising a housing with at least one openable compartment for containing said at least one product, said device comprising at least one means for storing energy and releasing it, such that said product is released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during the wash cycle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for dosing treatmentcompositions to be released into a medium, in particular those requiredfor use in fabric and home care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dosing devices for dosing treatment compositions in a dish orlaundry washing machine are representative of the various dosing devicesto which the present invention can apply. Typically, such dosing devicescomprise at least one compartment which is filled with product by theconsumer, and at least one opening which is such that said product ismixed with wash water during a wash cycle. Such dosing devices areinteresting because the compartment is usually designed such that itcontains substantially the amount of product necessary for one washcycle. So the dosing device allows for dosing and direct release of theproduct onto the items to be treated. Such dosing devices are usuallyre-usable.

[0003] A lot of improvements have been brought to dosing devices throughthe years, all directed to a better dosing and/or release of the productduring the wash. Especially, it was seen as an important feature thatthe release of the product may be delayed, for example till the lastphase of the wash cycle.

[0004] Some dosing devices comprise more than one compartment. Typicallythis type of devices are used for products that are incompatible, butwhich must be added in the same wash water, for example in EP.0.236136A1 to Unilever.

[0005] Some other devices comprise a means for releasing their contentsprogressively during the wash cycle, or even at some point in timeduring the wash, for example at the spin drying phase or during the lastrinse. In case the release needs to be progressive, the device comprisesfor example vents shaped as restricted openings, for example in U.S.Pat. No. 4,703,872 to Procter and Gamble. In case the release needs tobe delayed in the wash cycle, the device comprises mechanical means, forexample it uses temperature of the wash water, and the difference ofretraction properties of its constitutive materials: for example U.S.Pat. No. 5,768,918 discloses a device comprising a main compartment anda cover to releasably close said compartment, both made out of twodifferent materials. Before the wash, the user fills the device andcloses the compartment with the cover. During the wash, at the time thetemperature of the wash water changes, typically during the last rinse,the retraction of the cover is more important than the retraction of thecompartment's material, such that said cover slides open from saidcompartment, thereby releasing the contents. Another means used forrelease product at one point in time during the wash is the use of thecentrifugal force at the time of the spin drying, in the case of laundrymachines. Devices using a compartment releasably closed with a coverthat is closed by the user before the wash and then opened by thecentrifugal force is for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,391 toProcter and Gamble.

[0006] Other embodiments were found to improve the release of theproduct at one point in time during the wash, for example the use ofporous membranes, for example as disclosed in EP.0.236136 A1.

[0007] The dosing devices which can be found in the art solve someissues. However, it appears that in some cases, the conditions in thewash water change from one wash cycle to another, when using the samewashing machine. Such conditions depend on the amount of items to bewashed, the nature and amount of product that is used, the waterhardness, and other parameters. So one main disadvantage is that releaseof the product cannot be pre-determined, but depends only on wash watercharacteristics, which are likely to vary from one wash cycle toanother.

[0008] In addition, it has been found that it can be fastidious torefill a dosing device at each new wash cycle, so there is a need for adevice that contains several doses and so which is meant to be usedalong several wash cycles without the need for external intervention,for instance to refill it. In such dosing devices containing severaldoses, it is important however that the product contained therein is notcontaminated by the wash liquor or any other type of media duringstorage, but also while the product is being released.

[0009] It is therefore one main object of the present invention toprovide with a dosing and dispensing device for detergent compositionswhich is portable and self contained, so that it can be used forin-house applications, which comprises a means to release the device'scontents at a predetermined moment of the wash cycle. In addition, it isan object of the present invention to provide a device that allows torelease products that could not be released by a washing machine.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dosingand dispensing device for detergent compositions, which preventscontamination of the product stored inside by any type of outside media,especially while said product is being released.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aself-contained dosing device that comprises at least one compartment forcontaining several doses of product(s) to be dispensed during a washcycle, and said device further comprises a means to warn the user thattime has come to refill said device with product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained,device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into anappliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device comprising ahousing with at least one openable compartment for containing said atleast one product, said device comprising at least one means for storingenergy and releasing it, such that said product is released at one ormore predetermined point(s) in time during the wash cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the components of a dosingdevice according to the invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the embodiment of a deviceof the invention where the one-way dispensing of product is achieved bya rotating wheel.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the embodiment of adosing device that is placed into a dishwasher, and is activated by aremote relay device that is placed onto the detergent compartment doorof the dishwasher.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As per FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a dosing device (1) is provided. Whilethe device (1) of the present invention can be used with various typesof automatic washing machines, it is primarily and preferably intendedfor use in automatic dishwashers.

[0018] Said device (1) comprises a housing (10) with at least one refillopening (11). It is an essential feature of the device according to thepresent invention that it cannot be contaminated by an outside medium(liquid or solid), especially at the time its contents is releasedinside the washing machine.

[0019] While the dosing device (1) can have any suitable shape, in oneembodiment it comprises a parallelepipedic housing (10) divided into atleast two different compartments, one being a product compartment (14)for containing at least one product to be released, or alternatively, toplace a product refill container, and the other compartment being anelectromechanical compartment (13) containing the power supply, at leastone sensor (16), a pump system (17), and a microchip (18) for driving alogic control program.

[0020] In a first and highly preferred embodiment of the device (1) ofthe present invention, in addition to the one-way opening system (15),preferably achieved by a one-way valve (15), the device (1) alsocomprises a pump system. The pump system can comprise one or severalpumps, which can be of any suitable type, such as gear pumps, pistonpumps, peristaltic pumps and the like. In a second embodiment of adevice according to the present invention, the one-way dispensing isachieved by a rotary wheel (19) with compartments, as shown in FIG. 2.The wheel (19) is divided into compartments, each capable of containinga dose of product. Walls delimit each compartment. In its normalposition, the wheel is oriented such that the walls of the opencompartment (20) (i.e. the compartment that is oriented towards theoutside of the device) sealingly close the device (the seal between thedevice's walls and the wheel's walls can be achieved by any suitablemeans, for example rubber lips), such that the interior of the device isprotected against any water, or other fluid, splashes. At any time, thecompartment (21) preceding the open compartment (20) is filled with adose of product. When the device is activated and is to release a doseof product contained therein, the wheel rotates, to place thecompartment (21) in front of the device's opening, such that the dose ofproduct contained therein is released.

[0021] The dosing device (1) according to the present invention isprimarily suitable for dosing any type of product that is used fortreatment of items. Preferably it is for dosing products for use infabric or dish care, more preferably detergent compositions, for examplefor use in dish care. Products suitable for use with the dosing device(1) of the present invention include but are not limited to: laundrydetergents and additives, bleach-based products, hypochlorite-basedproducts, dishwashing compositions, perfumes, malodor removalcompositions, fabric softeners, disinfectant, easy ironing, detergentboosters (enzymes) . . . . The dosing device (1) of the presentinvention can have various uses that require release of treatmentproduct into a medium, at one time or sequentially. Such uses includebut are not limited to: dish-washing, hot air drying of fabrics or thelike, release of body care products in a bathtub, release of shower gelor shampoo, release of light duty liquids in the sink for assisting handdish washing, release of cleaning or perfuming products in the tank oftoilets, etc . . . . In the following description, and for the sake ofclarity, the example will be given of application of the dosing device(1) for treatment of cutlery or dishes in an automatic dishwashingmachine.

[0022] By dosing device (1), it is meant a device with which it ispossible to measure the right amount of product to be released during awash cycle, depending on the wash conditions, including but not limitedto the amount of items to be washed, the composition of the washingenvironment (for instance the wash water), the nature of the productwhich is used for the wash.

[0023] In a first embodiment, where the device's compartment(s) is/arerefillable, the dosing is made by the user her/himself. This is done byusing the size of the device's compartment to measure the right amountof product to be released in the wash. In this case, the devicecomprises a means, for example dosing line-up marks, that will help theuser chose the right amount of product to fill in.

[0024] In a second and preferred embodiment, the user introduces acartridge (12) of product into the compartment (14) of the dosing device(1), said cartridge (12) containing a predetermined amount of product,e.g. for one or several wash(es). In such an embodiment, the housing ofthe device comprises at least one portion (23) with a protrusion or arecess, that is to match at least one corresponding recess or protrusion(22) of the refill container—or cartridge—. Such a system ensures thatthe refill container cannot be wrongly inserted into the housing of thedevice. The dosing is done by the device itself, which is constructed sothat one dose of product is measured, pumped, and released by the deviceduring a wash cycle, depending on certain wash conditions. In this case,the compartment does not comprise line-up marks. During the wash, thedosing device (1) first pumps and releases a given amount of product,then senses when the concentration of product is sufficient and stopspumping to prevent over-dosing of the product. In this case, theconcentration sensing is done by checking one component that is acharacteristic of the product to be released, for example, the level ofchlorine bleach can be sensed, in case the product to be released isbleach. The skilled person will be able to determine which compound mustbe sensed, depending on which product is released. Of course, acorresponding and suitable sensor (16) must be integrated to the dosingdevice (1) in this case, and the control logic program must be adaptedaccordingly.

[0025] When closed, the dosing device (1) can be of any suitable shape,for example cubic or spherical, or with a plate-like shape that can fitin the bottom rack of a dishwasher, and preferably it is designed suchthat once closed and ready to be placed in a washing machine, itsoverall surface is as smooth as possible, so that no sharp protrusioncan damage the items that are being treated. In a preferred embodiment,the electronic components of the dosing device (1), which are theheaviest part of said device are located in the bottom portion of saiddevice, so that when the device is put on a flat surface, it alwaysstays in the upright position, or at least so that it stability isincreased.

[0026] The materials used for the housing (10) might be of any type, andsaid housing may be made out of one single or several materials.Preferred materials for the housing (10) are synthetic materials, forexample plastic or rubber, so as to resist to liquids and/or totemperature variations.

[0027] It is an essential feature of the device of the present inventionthat, once closed, it be liquid-tight—by liquid tight, it is meant thatno external medium can contaminate the inside of the device—. Of course,all materials constitutive of the dosing device (1) will be chosen suchthat they resist to the conditions of use. Preferably, they are heatresistant so as to be used in the tumble of a clothes hot air dryerwithout damage, or into a dishwashing machine. Example of hard materialsinclude but are not limited to polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC),copolymers of butadiene and styrene, and the like. Also the device (1)is heat insulated, so that any composition contained therein, thatcomprises heat-sensitive ingredients such as enzymes, is not damaged,for example by hot wash water, or by the drying step at the end of adishwasher cycle.

[0028] The housing (10) is preferably made by injection molding. In caseit is made out of more than one material, co-injection molding processwill be preferred, where applicable, since it is less expensive thanmolding several insert portions separately and then assemble them. Forinstance, co-injection molding can be used for the housing (10), to makeit out of hard plastic, with some portions out of a non-slipping rubbermaterial. It is preferred that at least some portions of the dosingdevice's outer surface are made out of a rubber like material, whichwill help to prevent noise from tumbling and knocking with other itemsin the dishwasher. Alternatively, in one embodiment of this invention,the dosing device (1) can be secured to the walls of the washingmachine's drum, for example by means of a magnet. In this way, the noisedue to the tumbling of said dosing device (1) inside the drum during thewash is canceled, or at least substantially reduced.

[0029] Alternatively, a rubber sleeve is fitted around the device's mainbody.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the presentinvention, and especially in case the device is to contain and dispenseheat-sensitive products, the housing—or at least said productcompartment—is heat-insulated. Indeed, the use of a dispensing devicethat contains several doses of product to be dispensed over several washcycles can expose the contents to degradation due primarily to the hightemperatures produced inside the washing machine, which can reach 70° C.This is especially true for products that are exposed several times tothe high temperatures, and also degradation can occur to products thatcontain heat-sensitive ingredients, such as enzymes, surfactants,bleach, solvents, etc . . . . The heat protection (24) can be built inthe device's compartment, or compartment holder (in case the device isto contain refills), by means of a double wall where insulation material(24) is placed between inside and outside walls. The insulation materialcan be EPS (expanded polystyrene), phase change materials that use thecharacteristic of constant temperature during a physical phasechange—solid to liquid or liquid to gas phase change—and the heatrequired to change phase as an insulation material, heat pumps, or anyother insulation material known in the art. The skilled person will beable to calculate the right amount and location of insulation, dependingon what is to be placed into the device. For example, in case the deviceis to release enzyme-containing composition, the temperature inside theproduct compartment should always stay below 25° C. Depending on theconfiguration of the dispensing device, the entire device housing can beinsulated, or alternatively, only the device's compartment can beinsulated, or merely the product refill (in case the device is rechargedin product via refill cartridges) can be insulated.

[0031] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of thepresent invention that it comprises at least one means for storingenergy (25) and releasing it, such that the contents of said dosingdevice (1) is released at a given predetermined time during a washcycle. It is highly preferred that the dosing device (1) also comprisesat least one sensor (16) which is linked to the means, to determine whenthe environment, for example the wash water, requires that the productbe pumped within the device and released. Finally, the dosing device (1)further comprises a microchip (18) that monitors the data received fromthe sensors (16), and gives a signal to the actuator (17) to releasesaid product at the right time during the wash cycle.

[0032] It is also an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of thepresent invention that it be portable, that is to say that it is not toobulky and heavy and can easily be handheld and manipulated by a user forin-house usage. Its dimensions must be such that it can be put into thedrum of an automatic washing machine, or clothes hot air dryer, or intoa dishwasher. Preferably, its greatest outer dimension does not exceed30 cm. Also preferably, its overall weight does not exceed 5 kg whenempty, more preferably, it does not exceed 2.5 kg when empty, even morepreferably its weight is not more than 1 kg when empty.

[0033] Finally, it is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) ofthe present invention that it be self-contained. By self-contained, itis meant that the dosing device (1), once filled with product andclosed, can work independently from any other device. Particularly, itcomprises its own power source, and all means necessary for it todetermine properly the right time its contents needs to be released,only by sensing its external environment. In one alternative, the poweris transmitted via a coil transmitter, which receives electricity via aremote generator.

[0034] Dosing devices according to the present invention need to beactivated at the start of a wash cycle, so that they can detect the washconditions into the washing machine, then dose their contents andrelease it into the wash liquor at the right time, and in the rightamount. In a first embodiment, the device is manually activated by theuser at the start of each wash cycle. In this case, the device comprisesa on/off button that is activated by the user, prior to closing thewashing machine's door. In another embodiment of the present invention,the device is activated by the washing machine at the start of thewashing cycle. In this case, the washing machine, and the device arelinked via two RF transmitter-receivers. At the time the washing machineis activated, the dosing device contained therein is also activated. Atthe time the washing machine stops, the device is deactivated. Inanother embodiment, the device is self-activated. In this case, saiddevice comprises a means to use the change of at least one parameterinto the washing machine to activate said device. For example, when thetemperature inside the washing machine is raised, a bi-metal spring ofthe device bends and acts as a switch to activate the device. In anotherexample, the device is switched on by the presence of water inside thewashing machine. As soon as water contacts two metallic plots of thedevice, said device is switched on.

[0035] Yet, in another embodiment, especially in case the device of thepresent invention is to be used into a dishwasher the device isactivated by a using the signal produced by the dishwasher solenoid thatactivates the opening of the detergent door. Such a systemadvantageously activates the device, independent of the dishwasher type,manufacturer, or even independent of the wash cycle type that wasselected by the user. As shown in FIG. 3, a small relay device isfastened to the dishwasher detergent compartment—for example by means offastening clips—, said small device comprising a copper coil, a relay,and a light source. When the electromagnet in the solenoid of thedishwasher compartment is activated to open the door of said dishwashercompartment, the electric signal is picked up by the copper coil, andthen transmitted to the relay, and a light is emitted. The dispensingdevice which has previously been placed somewhere in the dishwashercomprises a optical sensor that triggers activation of the pump, orwheel motor, in order to dispense a dose of product. As an alternativeto the light transmission of the activation signal, the relay device andthe dispensing device can use radio frequency.

[0036] Means for storing energy

[0037] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of thepresent invention that it comprises at least one means for storingenergy (25) and releasing it, such that the contents of said dosingdevice (1) is released at a predetermined point in time during the wash.Preferably, said means is stored in the electromechanical compartment(13) of the dosing device (1).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, said means is a throwaway battery, orrechargeable battery. More preferably, the battery is not rechargeable,but contains sufficient energy for lasting at least 6 months, preferablyone year in normal conditions of use. By normal conditions of use, it ismeant an average of 1 to 5 uses per week. For example, one or more AArechargeable or disposable batteries can be used, the batteries beinghoused in the device. The voltage output of the battery is typicallybetween 1.5 and 12 Volts, with a preferred output between 3 and 6V, forexample one DL223A 6 volt battery. A good alternative is lithiumbatteries which are smaller and last longer.

[0039] In the case the device comprises rechargeable batteries, thehousing (10) can comprise a plug recess, in order for the user to plugthe dosing device (1) on the main electricity to recharge it, or via awireless connection.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the means forstoring energy (25) is a kinetic battery. The kinetic battery comprisesa rechargeable battery coupled to a mechanical movement which transformsany movement of said battery into electricity that can be stored. Suchkinetic batteries are known, for example in the watch industry, and thetype of kinetic battery suitable for use with the dosing device (1)according to the present invention will be appropriately chosen by theperson skilled in the art.

[0041] In a last and preferred embodiment of the present invention, thebattery is combined with a product recharge (or refill), whatever theform of the product refill (sachet, pouch, bottle, tank . . . etc.). Theproduct recharge comprises electrical contacts and pipe connections orsimilar, and when it is inserted into the device (1), a connection ismade, first for delivery of cleaning composition through the pipeconnections, and second, for the power delivery through the electricalcontacts.

[0042] Sensor technology

[0043] It is an essential feature of the dosing device (1) of thepresent invention, that it comprises at least one sensor (16), as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. By sensor it is meant a chip or similar electronicdevice which detects a stimulus in the dosing device's environment, forexample in the wash water. Preferably, the sensor (16) is directlycoupled to a microchip (18) that transforms the stimulus into anelectric impulsion that is sent to the pumping means (17) to release theproduct into the wash medium in the washing machine. The sensor (16) ishoused in the electromechanical compartment (13) of the device andsecured for example with brackets and screws. The microchip (18) whichis preferably integrated to the sensor (16) itself is an electroniccircuit that runs a basic program, so called logic control program. Thelogic control program integrates different parameters of the wash whichare sensed in the medium (e.g. the wash water), and also integrates thetype of product that needs to be released, in order to calculate at whattime(s) during the wash, said products must be released. The specificconstruction of the electronic circuit of the microchip (18) will beappropriately chosen by a person skilled in the art.

[0044] The sensor (16) structure and construction shall be adapted tothe stimulus to be detected, and the choice of the appropriate sensor(16) construction will be easily determined by a person skilled in theart. The dosing device (1) of the present invention comprises at leastone sensor (16), such that it can react to at least one stimulus presentin its environment. It will be appreciated that the more stimuli saiddevice detects, the more accurate the product dosing and/or release willbe. In the following embodiments of the present invention, wash water inthe drum of a laundry washing machine is taken as one example of thedosing device (1) environment, but this example shall not be meant torestrict the scope of applications of the dosing device (1).

[0045] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the sensor (16)reacts to pH level into the wash water. In this case, a preferred sensor(16) is a pH sensitive electrode for delicate measurement in the drum ofthe washing machine. The pH of the wash water essentially depends on theamount and composition of the detergent. During a wash cycle, the pHvaries between the main wash and the last rinse, typically between 8.2and 7.2 for a liquid detergent, and between 12 and 7 for a powderdetergent, of course, these figures depend on the water hardness.

[0046] In a second embodiment, the sensor (16) reacts to the variationof temperature in the wash water. Typically, the wash water temperaturevaries from 12° C. up to 95° C., depending on the type of wash programthat is selected. The temperature also varies during a same wash cycle.For example, some temperature profiles show a constant temperature for awhile in the main wash, whereas with some other washing machines, thetemperature increases, shows a peak and then decreases during the mainwash. A common denominator is the decrease of temperature at the end ofthe main wash. This drop of temperature at the end of the main wash is acommon feature of all brands, types, and programs of washing machines.This drop is due to the dilution by adding cold water and/or the purgeof the main wash water (except for cold wash programs), followed by anaddition of cold water for the first rinse. This drop can be easilyidentified by using a sensor (16) that detects a variation oftemperature, or the speed of variation of temperature over a period oftime. This drop of temperature at the end of the main wash can be usedfor releasing for example bleach, in the first rinse.

[0047] In a third embodiment of the dosing device (1) according to thepresent invention, the sensor (16) is a conductivity analyzer. Such asensor analyses the concentration of detergent or another ionic liquidsolution. Such a sensor can be achieved for example by a four contactcapacitive measurement device. This enables to coat the contactsthemselves with a thin layer of non-conductive protective materialthereby removing the risk of contact degradation through electrochemicalaction. It should be noted that any measurement of ionic conductivity,such as this, should be preferably performed using alternating signals(AC) to prevent ion migration opposing an applied dc field. Themeasurement with such a four contact sensor is done by passing an ACcurrent, which is measured (A), through the liquid via the two outercontacts, and measuring the voltage (V) developed across the two innercontacts. The conductivity of the liquid is proportional to A/V,irrespective of the contamination between the contacts and the liquid(such a contamination is usually due to accumulation of compounds on thesurface of the electrodes).

[0048] In another embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1) iscoupled to a sensor (16) which is secured into the washing machine, forexample into the powder or additive drawer of the machine, oralternatively into the pipes of the dishwasher. Said sensor (16) is aconductivity analyzer that determines when there is addition of water.Said conductivity sensor (16) is coupled to the dosing device (1) byradio-frequency link. This allows determining addition of water to thewash, even when there is already water inside the dishwasher, and thus,it allows the dosing device (1) to detect a new addition of water whileit is already immersed during a wash cycle. This improves the accuracyof the dosing device (1) in determining the different steps of a washcycle, and thus improve the determination of the right time to releaseits contents.

[0049] Yet, in another embodiment, as previously described in moredetail above, the device (1) can be activated by a relay device (26)placed onto the dishwasher detergent compartment door (27), that islinked to the main dispensing device by a light or RF (radio frequency)transmission.

[0050] All the above parameters can be detected one by one, but thedevice preferably combines at least two, more preferably at least threedifferent sensors (16), so that it can better determine the right timefor releasing its contents. Indeed, one parameter, for exampletemperature may vary from a washing machine to another, and from oneprogram to another. It has been found that, by combining severalparameters to be detected, the determination of the steps of a washcycle is more accurate.

[0051] The sensors (16) as described above are used for determining thewash conditions, and more particularly in two distinct situations: (a)learning what are the main steps of a wash cycle, in case the dosingdevice comprises a learning memory, and/or (b) determining the washconditions, once the dosing device knows what are the characteristics ofthe wash cycles that can be selected, so that by sensing, said dosingdevice detects what phase of the wash cycle is running.

[0052] Dispensing opening of the device

[0053] It is an essential feature of the device (1) of the presentinvention, that it comprises at least one dispensing opening (11) suchthat the interior of said device, and especially its at least onecompartment, cannot be contaminated by an outside medium (liquid orsolid), especially at the time the contents is released inside thewashing machine.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a one-wayvalve closes said opening, such that no external medium (solid orliquid) can contaminate the inside of the device (1). Obviously, in casethe pumping means is a peristaltic pump, there is no need for additionalpumps since the pump is already acting as a valve. Said one-way valveopens only at the time the device's contents is to be released.Preferably, the one-way valve is a natural or synthetic elastomeric slitvalve, for example a silicon valve, whose surface is preferably concave,with the dome directed towards the interior of the device. The portionof the slit valve's membrane that comprises the dome is cut with atleast one very fine slit, or two very fine slits perpendicular to eachother and intersecting in each other's middle. At rest, the slit-valveis closed and maintains a leak-tight barrier between the interior andthe exterior of the device's compartment. When a pressure is exertedinside the device's compartment, for example by means of a pumpingmeans, the membrane of the slit valve is pushed outwards, and adeformation applies to the surface of said membrane, that opens theslits. Then, the product can flow outside of said device. As soon as thepressure inside the device is released, said membrane automaticallycomes back to its rest position, due to the resilience of itsconstitutive material, and the slits close. Furthermore, due to theconcavity of the membrane, limited pressure exerted from outside thedevice cannot open the slits. Thus, the slit-valve is a one-wayslit-valve.

[0055] Typically, the person skilled in the art will chose theappropriate shape or concavity for the membrane, to ensure that apressure exerted for example by a water jets inside a dishwasher, cannotopen the slit-valve and contaminate the interior of the device. Tofurther enhance this protective effect achieved by the concavity of theslit valve, it is preferred that said slit valve be positioned into arecess of the device. This will for example ensure that water jetsinside a dishwasher cannot contact the membrane of the slit-valvedirectly. Another means to reinforce the one-way effect of the membraneis to limit the number and length of the slits. Such slit valves arewell know in the art, and the skilled person will be able toappropriately chose the right configuration for the valve, depending onthe wash conditions (temperature, viscosity of the product containedinside the device, etc . . . ).

[0056] Compartment(s)

[0057] The main housing (10) comprises at least one product compartment(14) for storing at least one product. Preferably, the globalcontainment volume is 100 ml to 31, with a 20% overfill capacity.Preferably, all the moving parts and openings into the compartments (forexample the connections to the pumping means, or to the exhaust pipe)are made leak-tight by means of Teflon™ seals.

[0058] In addition, in case the battery is contained inside the deviceitself, the housing (10) preferably also comprises a battery door thatis located at the bottom, or on a side of the dosing device (1). Thisprovides an access for the user to replace the batteries in case thoseare not rechargeable. Said battery door is sealed by a thermoplasticelastomer gasket, preferably a soft SANTOPRENE™ elastomer gasket. Mostpreferably, there is no door and the battery is sealed inside thedevice. While this prevents changing the battery it gives an added levelof security against humidity. Obviously, in such a case, either thebattery must have a very long life duration, or it must be rechargeablewithout directly accessing it. For example, it can be a NiCad batterythat is recharged via an induction process (similarly to electrictoothbrushes), using an electrical socket, which transmits an ac currentvia an induction coiled wire, trough the surface of the device, into therechargeable battery. Finally, another type of battery that does notneed to be directly accessible to be recharged, is batteries thatcomprise a kinetic system—the battery is recharged each time the deviceis moved, by transforming the mechanical movements into electricenergy—.

[0059] In case the dosing device (1) comprises several compartments,these compartments can each comprise a dispensing opening with one-waydispensing valve, or alternatively, they can be all linked to a singledispensing system via conducting pipes that converge to the samedispensing opening—in this way, the contents of the compartments ismixed just before being released into the wash liquor.

[0060] Refill Indicator

[0061] Still in another preferred embodiment of the present invention,the user is warned that product needs to be added into the device, by arefill indicator. In a first embodiment, the refill indicator is visual.It can be achieved by a transparent window in the device's housing andin the refill container (if there is one), that allows the user to seewhat's inside the device's compartment. Using this system, the user canvisualize at any time what amount of product is left in the device, andadd some more when necessary. The visual indicator can also be achievedby a LED that blinks when the device runs out of product. In thisversion, the device can be programmed such that the LED starts blinkingwhen there are at least 2 doses left in the device. This will give moretime to the user to go and purchase product refills, and in this way,the device can never run out of product completely.

[0062] In a second embodiment, the refill indicator is a sound indicatorthat emits a sound at the start or the end of a device's working cycle,to warn the consumer needs to be added. As for the visual indicator, thesound signal can be given at any time when the device starts running outof product (for example when there are still 2 or 3 doses left in thedevice).

[0063] In both cases of visual or sound refill warning, if the warningis triggered by a sensor, said sensor can detect different parameters.For example the sensor can react to the weight of the device'scompartment. Alternatively, said sensor can detect the presence orabsence of an ingredient, and thus the level of product inside thedevice's compartment, by sensing the conductivity inside the device'scompartment (like an electronic nose).

[0064] In a particularly beneficial embodiment of the present invention,the two above described sound and visual refilling indicators arecombined.

[0065] Additional features

[0066] In one embodiment of this invention, the dosing device (1) isequipped with a scanner which can read a bar-code onto the label of abottle. This allows the user to use the same dosing device (1) to doseand dispense different types of products, which should be released atdifferent times during a wash cycle. In this embodiment, the at leastone sensor (16) of the dosing device (1) contains several programs, eachof which is linked to one type of product, for instance, one program forbleach, another one for softeners. Before the wash, the user scans thebottle, so that the dosing device's sensor (16) recognizes the type ofproducts and switches to the right program of detection. Several typesof scanners can be used, for example a barcode scanner or a RFID scanner(radiofrequency identification scanner).

[0067] In another embodiment, the dosing device (1) comprises at leastone LED which works as an electronic guardian battery load monitor. Forexample, the LED blinks when the system has proper voltage, and it issteady when the voltage is low. The LED is mounted in theelectromechanical compartment (13), and yet, is visible on the outsideof the device through a plastic light pipe. In one embodiment, the LEDgives a signal, for example by blinking, at the end of the wash to warnthe consumer that the release of product worked well. Alternatively, thesignal can be given by a sound.

[0068] Contents

[0069] The dosing device (1) according to the present invention isprimarily suitable for dosing any type of product, preferably it is fordosing products for use in fabric and dish care, more preferablydetergent compositions. Products suitable for use with the dosing device(1) of the present inventions include but are not limited to: laundrydetergents and additives, bleach-based products, hypochlorite-basedproducts, dishwashing compositions, perfumes, malodor removalcompositions, fabric softeners . . . .

[0070] They can be used under any suitable form, including but notlimited to: nano-components in a liquid or gel medium, granules,liquids, solid blocks to be grated, foams, gases, aerosols, salami to bedosed in slices, mega-pearls, etc . . . .

[0071] Control logic

[0072] Once the dosing device (1) is constructed and ready to work, itstill needs to integrate two parameters: the type of product that willbe used, and the type of wash cycle. The type of product will determineat which phase of the wash cycle, said product will be released. It isnot a subject of the present invention to give an exhaustive list ofproducts that can be released by using the dosing device (1), nor toexplain at what time during a wash they must be released. This is withinthe normal knowledge of a skilled person. The determination andmemorization of what product and what wash cycle type are selected isthe role of the control logic program that is driven by the dosingdevice's microchip (18). The control logic program allows to define thespecific time to release the product.

[0073] Firstly, the dosing device (1) must memorize which product needsto be released. In one embodiment, the type of product is integratedinto the dosing device (1) by programming it. This can be done by theuser, for example by scanning the product container label. In this case,the label comprises a bar code that is read by the dosing device (1). Inanother embodiment, the dosing device (1) is constructed to be used withonly one product, so the type of product to be used is memorized at thetime the dosing device (1) is constructed.

[0074] Secondly, the dosing device (1) must memorize which type of washcycle will be used, especially, what are the main phases of the washcycle (main wash, rinses . . . etc.). It is known that typically, theconsumers use 2 or 3 different wash program types, as a maximum. Foreach of them, the overall length of the cycle, the temperature, thenumber of rinses differ, but they can easily be learnt by the dosingdevice (1) after a few “training” washes. In this case, the dosingdevice (1) comprises a learning memory, as described above, which learnsthe 3 different types of wash types with their respectivecharacteristics during the first washes.

[0075] Once the dosing device (1) has in memory the characteristics ofthe different types of wash cycles that can be used, and the type ofproduct that needs to be released, it can release the product at theright time during a wash cycle, by using the sensors (16) who can senseand tell the dosing device (1) which type of wash cycle was selected,and what phase of the wash cycle is currently running. For example,enzymes can be sequentially released, and then inhibited by a specificinhibitor during the main wash, or a bleach can be released in the firstrinse, or rinse additives such as fabric softener, easy ironing product,color care products can be released in the least rinse. This list ofexample is not exhaustive, and it can also apply to other types oftreatments depending on the type of items to be treated (dishwashing,hot air fabric drying, etc.)

[0076] Process of using the dosing device

[0077] It is another objective of the present invention to provide aprocess of dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into anappliance for treating laundry or dishes, by using a device according toclaims 1 to 7, the process comprising the steps of:

[0078] (i) filling said device with said at least one product, oralternatively inserting at least one product refill (or cartridge) intosaid device;

[0079] (ii) optionally manually closing said device;

[0080] (iii) placing said device within said appliance together with thelaundry or dishes items to be treated, and start said appliance for atreatment cycle;

[0081] (iv) optionally taking said device out of said appliance togetherwith the laundry or dishes, once they have been treated.

[0082] The appliances in which the dosing device (1) is used includesbut is not limited to vertical or horizontal laundry washing machines,automatic dishwashing machines, or hot air clothes dryers.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, self-contained, device (1) for dosingand/or dispensing at least one product, preferably a liquid product,into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device (1)comprising a housing with at least one openable compartment (14) forcontaining said at least one product, said device comprising at leastone means for storing energy (25) and releasing it, such that saidproduct is released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time duringthe wash cycle, and wherein said at least one compartment (14) isreclosable in such a way that the compartment's contents is notcontaminated by an external medium.
 2. A device (1) according to claim1, wherein one means (25) to store and release energy is achieved by anelectrical battery (25).
 3. A device (1) according to claim 2, whereinsaid electrical battery (25) is rechargeable.
 4. A device (1) accordingto claim 2, wherein the battery (25) is integrated to said at least onecompartment (14).
 5. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein saidmeans to ensure that the compartment's contents is not contaminated byan external medium is achieved by a one-way valve (15) which allowsproducts to flow outside but avoids contamination of the interior ofsaid compartment (14) from an outside medium.
 6. A device (1) accordingto claim 5, wherein said one-way valve (15) is an elastomeric slitvalve.
 7. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said product isreleased by means of a pump (17) which takes one dose of product at atime from the compartment (14), and releases it outside the device (1).8. A device (1) according to claim 1, which comprises at least onesensor (16), so as to analyze the composition of the environment of saiddevice and open said compartment (14) at the right time during a washcycle.
 9. A device (1) according to claim 1, which is rechargeable via arefill container (12) removable from the compartment (14).
 10. A device(1) according to claim 9, wherein said refill container (12) comprisesat least one dose of product
 11. A device (1) according to claim 10,wherein said refill container (12) comprises at least two doses ofproduct.
 12. A device (1) according to claim 10, wherein said refillcontainer (12) comprises at least five doses of product.
 13. A device(1) according to claim 10, wherein said refill container (12) comprisesat least ten doses of product.
 14. A process of dosing and dispensing atleast one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, byusing a device (1) according to claim 1, the process comprising thesteps of: (i) filling said device (1) with said at least one product, oralternatively inserting at least one product refill (or cartridge) (12)into said device; (ii) optionally manually closing said device; (iii)placing said device within said appliance together with the laundry ordishes items to be treated, and start said appliance for a treatmentcycle; (iv) optionally taking said device out of said appliance togetherwith the laundry or dishes, once they have been treated.